Saudi Pro League sparking huge battle with UK broadcasters fighting for TV rights and major channel could enter race
SKY SPORTS are weighing up a potential last minute attempt to join the auction for the rights to the Saudi Pro League.
The summer’s shock spending splurge of £460m and counting, following the bankrolling of the state’s four biggest clubs by the country’s Public Investment Fund, has made Saudi ambition the talk of the football world.
League bosses have engaged global agency IMG to sell the TV rights for this season in the UK.
The competition will take place next week.
SunSport has been told that at least two broadcasters have registered an interest in snapping up the rights.
It is unlikely to be sold at astronomical prices with the Saudis agreeing the growth of the brand will come from eyeballs on the product.
And while Sky have yet to make an official approach, SunSport understands that a potential bid is being discussed.
Although a final decision by the company is yet to be made.
It is expected that league chiefs will announce their UK broadcast partner early next week, likely to be in a two-season deal.
Several high-profile stars have followed Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo to the Gulf state this summer.
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CR7 will join forces with Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Seko Fofana and Alex Telles next season.
Rivals Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have also spent big this summer on top stars like Riyad Mahrez, Ruben Neves and Karim Benzema and many more.
Fans will also be able to watch Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq, who have added ex-Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson to their ranks.